Alibaba launches US$15b global R&D programme, to open lab in Singapore

ALIBABA on Wednesday launched a US$15 billion global research programme, under which Singapore has been chosen as one of seven markets to host its research labs.

Known as the Alibaba DAMO Academy, the programme seeks to "increase technological collaboration worldwide, advance the development of cutting-edge technology and make the world more inclusive by narrowing the technology gap".

Alibaba's chief technology officer, Jeff Zhang, will head the Academy.

For a start, Alibaba will open research labs in seven markets: Singapore, Beijing and Hangzhou in China, San Mateo and Bellevue in the US, Russia and Israel.

Alibaba said that it expects to invest over US$15 billion in research and development over the next three years.